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Md. man arrested in N.Y. in killing linked to drug operation

Published On: Feb 12 2013 02:05:40 PM EST

BALTIMORE -

An Anne Arundel County man was arrested early Tuesday morning at a New York airport and charged with murder in the death of a Frederick County man whose body was found in the trunk of his car in December.

Maryland State Police said Michael Stahlnecker, 51, of Crofton, was charged with murder, assault, reckless endangerment and the use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime.

Stahlnecker was arrested shortly before 6 a.m. Tuesday as he was about to board a flight at JFK International Airport.

Police said Stahlnecker killed John Ryan, 37, of Frederick, whose body was found in the trunk of his Lexus in a parking lot in Derwood on Dec. 3. Ryan had been reported missing by his wife about a week earlier.

Investigators said since the summer of 2012, they'd been investigating allegations that Ryan, Stahlnecker and some other associates were involved in importing and distributing marijuana. Detectives said they believe Ryan had scheduled a meeting with Stahlnecker on Nov. 28 at a warehouse leased by Stahlnecker in Laurel.

Detectives said they believe Ryan was shot at the warehouse and then driven to the address where his body was found. Investigators said they found Ryan's blood near the rear loading dock of the warehouse and on the bristles of a broom outside.

Police are still trying to figure out a motive for the killing; however, detectives said Stahlnecker owed large amounts of money to several people.

Stahlnecker is currently being held in New York pending extradition proceedings.

The investigation is still ongoing.

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